Eating Together

He did it!  Gary finished his gazebo that I mentioned about in my last blog.  Now he almost lives out there as he writes and works on his various courses and videos for ministry.   He also got it completed in time for 15 of our family members to come together for dinner last week.  Eating together has been a very important building block throughout our married lives for our family and friends.  When our children were growing up, we hardly ever missed a supper time meal together so that we could get caught up on our individual days. It drew us together helping to relieve stress, promote self-esteem, improve communication skills, learn better eating habits, and created stability in our family. These days it seems families are running in every which direction and missing out on a lot of good interaction with one another. 

The other day we noticed a skunk walking towards the gazebo.  I was sure I hadn’t invited him to dinner!  I’m glad he decided to take a different route.  By the way, I can never get over the fact that Gary likes the smell of skunks.  Strange!

The Bible is full of events with the Israelites coming together for feast times.  It seemed to be extremely important to Jesus.  He fed the five thousand (John 6); his parable about the prodigal son ended up with his father preparing a feast upon his return home (Luke 15); he ate with tax collectors and sinners at Levi’s banquet (Luke 5).  Just before Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion the disciples met with Him for the last supper (Mark 14) which became an example and a command for us to follow on a regular basis in our churches for remembrance of His life.

Eating together after our Hillside church services over the last few years in a local Milton restaurant really helped us to get to know those who attended more quickly.  Their interests and needs often surfaced immediately as we sat down with them in longer conversations.  That is part of our church’s DNA and we long to get back to that kind of setup when we find another available place to meet.  Scott Lockhart’s health is gradually improving.  He feels better after a second round of medical treatment which will allow him to maintain a job for much needed income.  We still have not heard from Canada Summer Jobs as to whether we have been approved for more financial funding for outreach for 2022.  In 2021 we would have had an answer by this time.  We would appreciate your prayers for all these needs.

May we all take every opportunity to eat together with our family and friends in our homes or backyards this summer.  Inviting them out to a restaurant is a good second alternative.

Blessings,

Wendy   

Wendy.carter@kainos.org